26
Phonitor 2
Phase ø
The phase reversal control is another important monitoring func-
tion. As with the solo function, you can choose between L, R and OFF.
Choose the middle position, OFF, to hear the stereo signal. Switching
to L reverses the left channel phase (thus inverts by 180°). The same
effect occurs in the right channel when switching to R.
With phase reversal and a simultaneous activation of the Mono
switch, you can generate the difference between both audio channels.
Depending on which channel’s phase reversion you have activated,
what remains will be the channel’s available stereo information. In this
differentiated signal you can, for instance, now judge whether signals
to be placed in the middle “sit” properly or not. If not, a remainder
of the center signal will not be cancelled out by the phase reversal –
something which should happen with a true mono signal. Before you
undertake this test, you should eliminate any stereo effects on the
channel you wish to test, as such reverb processing will tend to be re-
tained and invalidate the results.
However, even more important for precision testing of the center sig-
nal can be to discern the intrusion of artifacts. For example through
this process you can easily detect distortion which may be introduced
digitally (via converters or internal DAW mixing).
Stereo and Mono
Usually this toggle switch is set to Stereo for regular
monitoring of stereo signals. The Mono switch cre-
ates a sum of the stereo channels.
If, per the above description, you employ this Mono
switch along with the Solo, the overall signal level
will be approximately 6 dB below a stereo signal and
mono-switch only. This is normal, since in Solo mode only a single
mono channel is active.
Aside from the above scenario, the Mono switch also offers import-
ant and useful functions in combination with Phase and Solo switches
in its ability to examine the mono compatibility of a mix. While such
compatibility tests are essentially the same as in earlier eras, they
nonetheless remain an important standard in radio mixing or vinyl
production.
Control Elements
